10 Best Waterproof Headphones for Swimming

Are you a swimmer or just love spending time in the water? Listening to music while swimming can make the experience more enjoyable. However, not all headphones are suitable for water activities. Waterproof headphones are the best option for swimmers, triathletes, or anyone who wants to enjoy music while being submerged. In this article, we’ll discuss the top 10 waterproof headphones for swimming that you can use while swimming.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Waterproof Headphones

Here are the factors to consider when choosing waterproof headphones:

Types of Headphones

When it comes to waterproof headphones, there are two main types to consider: earbuds and headphones.

Earbuds are small and sit inside your ear, making them a popular choice for swimmers. They are lightweight, compact, and less bulky than headphones, making them easy to wear while swimming. Additionally, earbuds often come with different sizes of ear tips to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Headphones, on the other hand, are larger and cover your ears. They are often more comfortable to wear for extended periods and offer better sound quality than earbuds. However, headphones can be bulkier and less convenient to use while swimming.

When choosing between earbuds and headphones, consider your needs and preferences. If you value portability and convenience, earbuds might be the better choice. However, if you prioritize sound quality and comfort, headphones might be the way to go.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is an important factor to consider when choosing waterproof headphones, especially if you plan to use them while swimming.

Look for headphones that deliver clear and high-quality sound, even when you are underwater. You should also consider noise-canceling technology, which helps block out background noise and distractions, allowing you to focus on your music.

Water can affect sound quality, so it’s important to choose headphones that are designed specifically for use in water. Some headphones have water-resistant speakers, which help prevent water damage and maintain sound quality.

It’s worth noting that sound quality can be subjective, so it’s a good idea to read reviews and test the headphones if possible to determine if they meet your personal standards for sound quality.

Comfort

Comfort is a crucial factor to consider when choosing waterproof headphones, especially if you plan to use them for an extended period. Here are a few things to consider:

  1. Ergonomic Design – Look for headphones that have an ergonomic design that contours to your head and ears. This ensures that the headphones stay in place while you’re swimming and don’t cause discomfort.
  2. Ear Loops – Some waterproof headphones come with adjustable ear loops that wrap around the back of your ears. This helps keep the headphones in place while you’re swimming and prevents them from falling out.
  3. Ear Tips – Earbuds typically come with ear tips in different sizes to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Look for headphones that come with multiple ear tip options so you can find the perfect fit for your ears.
  4. Lightweight – The weight of the headphones can also affect comfort. Look for headphones that are lightweight and don’t cause any strain on your neck or head.

By considering these factors, you can find a pair of waterproof headphones that are comfortable to wear and don’t cause any discomfort or irritation while you’re swimming.

Connectivity

Connectivity is an important factor to consider when choosing waterproof headphones. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Wired or Wireless – Some waterproof headphones use a wired connection, while others use Bluetooth to connect to your device. Wired headphones can be more reliable and deliver better sound quality, but they can also be more cumbersome while swimming. Bluetooth headphones are more convenient and allow for greater freedom of movement, but they can be affected by signal interference and have a limited range.
  2. Bluetooth Range – If you choose wireless headphones, consider the Bluetooth range. Look for headphones with a strong and reliable Bluetooth connection that can maintain a stable connection even when you’re swimming.
  3. Battery Life – Wireless headphones require batteries, so it’s important to consider the battery life. Look for headphones with a long battery life that can last through your entire swim session.
  4. Compatibility – Ensure that the headphones are compatible with your device, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or music player.

By considering these factors, you can find waterproof headphones that offer reliable connectivity and allow you to enjoy music while swimming without interruption.

Water Resistance

Water resistance is perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing waterproof headphones. Look for headphones that are specifically designed to be used in water and can withstand exposure to water without being damaged.

The level of water resistance can vary between headphones. Some headphones for swimming are simply water-resistant, which means they can withstand light splashes and rain. Other headphones are fully waterproof and can be submerged in water for extended periods without being damaged.

When shopping for waterproof headphones for swimming, be sure to look for headphones with an IPX rating. This rating indicates the level of water resistance of the headphones. The higher the IPX rating, the more water-resistant the headphones are.

For example, headphones with an IPX7 rating can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes without being damaged, while headphones with an IPX5 rating can withstand water splashes and sweat.

It’s important to note that while headphones may be water-resistant or waterproof, they may not be suitable for use in saltwater or chlorinated water. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the headphones are suitable for use in the water you plan to swim in.

Headphones for Swimming

Best 10 Waterproof Headphones for Swimming

If you’re in the market for a pair of waterproof headphones for swimming, here are 10 of the best options available:

  1. Sony NW-WS413 – These headphones are fully waterproof and have an IPX8 rating. They can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes and have a battery life of up to 12 hours.
  2. Swimbuds Sport Waterproof Headphones – These wired headphones come with multiple earbud options for a comfortable and secure fit. They have an IPX8 rating and can be used in any water environment.
  3. AfterShokz Xtrainerz – These bone-conduction headphones don’t go inside your ear, making them a great option for swimmers who don’t want to block out ambient noise. They have an IP68 rating and can be submerged in water for up to 2 hours.
  4. H2O Audio Surge+ – These wired headphones come with a short cable that clips to your goggles, keeping them out of your way while you swim. They have an IPX8 rating and can be used in any water environment.
  5. Plantronics BackBeat FIT 3100 – These wireless headphones have an IP57 rating, making them both water-resistant and dust-resistant. They have a stable Bluetooth connection and a comfortable, secure fit.
  6. Jabra Elite Active 75t – These wireless earbuds have an IP57 rating and a comfortable, ergonomic design. They have a stable Bluetooth connection and a long battery life of up to 7.5 hours.
  7. Jaybird Vista – These wireless earbuds have an IPX7 rating and a comfortable, secure fit. They have a stable Bluetooth connection and a long battery life of up to 6 hours.
  8. Tayogo Waterproof MP3 Player – This all-in-one device combines a waterproof MP3 player with bone-conduction headphones. It has an IPX8 rating and can be submerged in water for up to 6 hours.
  9. FINIS Duo – This waterproof MP3 player uses bone-conduction technology to deliver audio without the need for earbuds. It has an IPX8 rating and can be used in any water environment.
  10. HifiMan RE800 – These wired earbuds have an IPX7 rating and deliver high-quality sound. They come with multiple earbud options for a comfortable and secure fit.

Specification

Here’s a specification table comparing some of the key features of the 10 best waterproof headphones for swimming:

HeadphonesWaterproof RatingConnectivityBattery LifeSound QualityType
Sony NW-WS413IPX8WiredUp to 12 hoursExcellentIn-ear
Swimbuds Sport Waterproof HeadphonesIPX8WiredN/AGoodIn-ear
AfterShokz XtrainerzIP68WiredUp to 8 hoursGoodBone-conduction
H2O Audio Surge+IPX8WiredN/AGoodIn-ear
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 3100IP57WirelessUp to 5 hoursGoodIn-ear
Jabra Elite Active 75tIP57WirelessUp to 7.5 hoursExcellentIn-ear
Jaybird VistaIPX7WirelessUp to 6 hoursExcellentIn-ear
Tayogo Waterproof MP3 PlayerIPX8WiredUp to 8 hoursGoodBone-conduction
FINIS DuoIPX8WiredUp to 7 hoursGoodBone-conduction
HifiMan RE800IPX7WiredN/AExcellentIn-ear

Conclusion

In conclusion, having a good pair of waterproof headphones for swimming can make swimming and other water-based activities more enjoyable and entertaining. When choosing the best waterproof headphones for swimming, it’s important to consider factors such as sound quality, comfort, connectivity, water resistance, and the type of headphones that will best suit your needs.

From the 10 best waterproof headphones for swimming that we’ve highlighted in this article, you’re sure to find one that meets your preferences and budget. Whether you’re looking for wired or wireless options, in-ear or bone-conduction, with excellent or good sound quality, or with long battery life, there’s something for everyone.

FAQs

Q. Are all waterproof headphones suitable for swimming?

A. Not all waterproof headphones are suitable for swimming. You need to ensure that they have an appropriate IP rating, which indicates their level of water resistance.

Q. Can I connect wireless headphones underwater?

A. No, Bluetooth signals cannot travel through water, so you cannot connect wireless headphones underwater. However, some wireless headphones can still be used underwater if they have onboard storage for music playback.

Q. How do bone-conduction headphones work?

A. Bone-conduction headphones work by transmitting sound waves through the bones in your skull, rather than through the air like traditional headphones. This allows you to hear audio without obstructing your ears, making them a great option for swimming.

Q. Can I wear waterproof headphones while showering?

A. Yes, you can wear waterproof headphones while showering, as long as they have an appropriate IP rating for water resistance.

Q. How do I care for my waterproof headphones?

A. To care for your waterproof headphones, it’s important to rinse them with clean water after every use and dry them thoroughly before storing them. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or harsh chemicals.